A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gatlinburg vs. Victoria for Nightlife, Hiking, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Victoria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a scenic, relaxing, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Victoria travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Victoria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Victoria is more popular for its food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Victoria and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Gatlinburg different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Victoria and Gatlinburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Gatlinburg or Victoria Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Victoria is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Victoria is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Victoria.

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Victoria offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Victoria is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Victoria. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Victoria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Gatlinburg or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Victoria?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Victoria both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Victoria offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Gatlinburg or Victoria Better for Families?

Victoria is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Victoria is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Victoria Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Victoria are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Victoria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

Is Gatlinburg or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Victoria is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Victoria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Gatlinburg or Victoria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Victoria is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Gatlinburg has some public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Gatlinburg or Victoria a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg and Victoria are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Victoria is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Gatlinburg or Victoria. In our opinion, Gatlinburg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Gatlinburg than Victoria. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in Victoria than Gatlinburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Victoria, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Victoria. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gatlinburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Victoria than Gatlinburg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Victoria.

One day in Gatlinburg or Victoria?

The city of Gatlinburg offers nightlife and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic city of Victoria, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gatlinburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Victoria, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Victoria, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Victoria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Victoria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Victoria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg than you might in Victoria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Victoria, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Victoria. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Furthermore, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Victoria. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Gatlinburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Victoria. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Victoria in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In the winter, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Victoria. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Gatlinburg